[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 7]
[House]
[Pages 9078-9084]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          VENEZUELAN HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY PROTECTION ACT

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass 
the bill (H.R. 4587) to impose targeted sanctions on individuals 
responsible for carrying out or ordering human rights abuses against 
the citizens of Venezuela, and for other purposes, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 4587

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Venezuelan Human Rights and 
     Democracy Protection Act''.

     SEC. 2. DEFINITION.

       In this Act, the term ``appropriate congressional 
     committees'' means--
       (1) the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on 
     Financial Services, the Committee on the Judiciary, and the 
     Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives; 
     and
       (2) the Committee on Foreign Relations, the Committee on 
     Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, and the Committee on the 
     Judiciary of the Senate.

     SEC. 3. FINDINGS.

       Congress finds the following:
       (1) On February 12, 2014, also known in Venezuela as the 
     National Youth Day, students began protesting in several 
     cities against Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro's inability 
     to stem violent crime, his undemocratic actions, and a 
     rapidly deteriorating economy marked by high inflation and 
     shortages of consumer goods.
       (2) On February 12, 2014, a judge issued an arrest warrant 
     for Leopoldo Lopez, leader of the opposition party Voluntad 
     Popular, for allegations in connection with the student 
     protests.
       (3) On February 17, 2014, the Government of Venezuela 
     notified the United States Department of State that it had 
     declared 3 consular officers at the United States Embassy in 
     Venezuela personae non gratae.
       (4) On February 18, 2014, opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez 
     turned himself in to Venezuelan authorities, was arrested, 
     and charged with criminal incitement, conspiracy, arson, and 
     intent to damage property.
       (5) Leopoldo Lopez is currently being held in a prison at a 
     military facility.
       (6) Nongovernmental human rights organizations have alleged 
     that the charges brought against Leopoldo Lopez appear to be 
     a politically motivated attempt to silence dissent in the 
     country.
       (7) As of May 1, 2014, there have been 41 people killed, a 
     reported 60 cases of torture, over 100 injured, and many 
     oppressively detained in relation to pro-democracy 
     demonstrations throughout Venezuela.
       (8) On February 19, 2014, President Obama criticized the 
     Government of Venezuela for arresting protesters, called for 
     their release, and urged the government to focus on the 
     ``legitimate grievances of the Venezuelan people''.
       (9) According to the Department of State's Country Reports 
     on Human Rights Practices for 2013 for Venezuela, ``The 
     principal human rights abuses reported during the year 
     included corruption, politicization in the judicial system, 
     and government actions to impede freedom of expression and 
     restrict freedom of the press. The government did not respect 
     judicial independence or permit judges to act according to 
     the law without fear of retaliation. The government used the 
     judiciary to intimidate and selectively prosecute political, 
     union, business, and civil society leaders who were critical 
     of government policies or actions. The government harassed 
     and intimidated privately owned television stations, other 
     media outlets, and journalists throughout the year, using 
     threats, fines, property seizures, targeted regulations, 
     arrests, and criminal investigations and prosecutions.''.
       (10) According to the Department of State's Country Reports 
     on Human Rights Practices for 2013 for Venezuela, ``The 
     following human rights problems were reported by NGOs, the 
     media, and in some cases the government itself: unlawful 
     killings, including summary killings by police elements; 
     torture and other cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment; 
     harsh and life-threatening prison conditions and lack of due 
     process rights that contributed to widespread violence, 
     riots, injuries, and deaths in prisons; inadequate juvenile 
     detention centers; arbitrary arrests and detentions; 
     corruption and impunity in police forces; political 
     prisoners; interference with privacy rights; corruption at 
     all levels of government; threats against domestic NGOs; 
     violence against women; anti-Semitism in the official media; 
     trafficking in persons; violence based on sexual orientation 
     and gender identity; and restrictions on workers' right of 
     association.''.
       (11) According to Freedom House's Freedom in the World 
     report of 2013 on Venezuela, ``Nicolas Maduro, further 
     weakened the independent media, reduced the opposition's 
     ability to serve as a check on government policy, and made 
     threats to civil society groups.''.

     SEC. 4. ACTIONS AT THE ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES.

       The Secretary of State shall direct the United States 
     Permanent Representative to the Organization of American 
     States to use the voice, vote, and influence of the United 
     States at the Organization of American States to defend and 
     protect the Inter-American Democratic Charter, and strengthen 
     efforts by international and multilateral organizations to 
     advance the protection of human rights throughout the Western 
     Hemisphere, especially in Venezuela.

     SEC. 5. SANCTIONS ON PERSONS RESPONSIBLE FOR VIOLENCE IN 
                   VENEZUELA.

       (a) In General.--The President shall impose the sanctions 
     described in subsection (b)(1)(A) and the Secretary of State 
     or the Secretary of Homeland Security (or a designee of one 
     of such Secretaries) shall impose the sanctions described in 
     subsection (b)(1)(B) with respect to any person, including a 
     current or former official of the Government of Venezuela or 
     a person acting on behalf of that Government, that the 
     President, or the Secretary of State or the Secretary of 
     Homeland Security (or a designee of one of such Secretaries), 
     as the case may be, determines--
       (1) has perpetrated, or is responsible for ordering, 
     controlling, or otherwise directing, significant acts of 
     violence or serious human rights abuses in Venezuela against 
     individuals participating in protests in Venezuela that began 
     on February 12, 2014;
       (2) has directed or ordered the arrest or prosecution of a 
     person primarily because of the person's legitimate exercise 
     of freedom of expression or assembly in relation to the 
     protests in Venezuela that began on February 12, 2014;
       (3) has knowingly materially assisted, sponsored, or 
     provided significant financial, material, or technological 
     support for, or goods or services in support of, the 
     commission of acts described in paragraph (1) or (2) in 
     relation to protests in Venezuela that began on February 12, 
     2014; or
       (4) has engaged in censorship against individuals or media 
     outlets disseminating information in relation to protests in 
     Venezuela that began on February 12, 2014.
       (b) Sanctions Described.--
       (1) In general.--The sanctions described in this subsection 
     are the following:
       (A) Asset blocking.--
       (i) In general.--The exercise of all powers granted to the 
     President by the International Emergency Economic Powers Act 
     (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) to the extent necessary to block and 
     prohibit all transactions in all property and interests in 
     property of a

[[Page 9079]]

     person determined by the President to be subject to 
     subsection (a) if such property and interests in property are 
     in the United States, come within the United States, or are 
     or come within the possession or control of a United States 
     person.
       (ii) Exception.--

       (I) In general.--The authority to impose sanctions under 
     clause (i) shall not include the authority to impose 
     sanctions relating to the importation of goods.
       (II) Good defined.--In subclause (I), the term ``good'' has 
     the meaning given that term in section 16 of the Export 
     Administration Act of 1979 (50 U.S.C. App. 2415) (as 
     continued in effect pursuant to the International Emergency 
     Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et. seq.)).

       (B) Aliens ineligible for visas, admission, or parole.--
       (i) Visas, admission, or parole.--An alien who the 
     Secretary of State or the Secretary of Homeland Security (or 
     a designee of one of such Secretaries) knows or has 
     reasonable grounds to believe meets any of the criteria 
     described in subsection (a) is--

       (I) inadmissible to the United States;
       (II) ineligible to receive a visa or other documentation to 
     enter the United States; and
       (III) otherwise ineligible to be admitted or paroled into 
     the United States or to receive any other benefit under the 
     Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.).

       (ii) Current visas revoked.--

       (I) In general.--The issuing consular officer, the 
     Secretary of State, or the Secretary of Homeland Security (or 
     a designee of one of such Secretaries) shall revoke any visa 
     or other entry documentation issued to an alien who meets any 
     of the criteria described in subsection (a), regardless of 
     when issued.
       (II) Effect of revocation.--A revocation under subclause 
     (I) shall take effect immediately; and shall automatically 
     cancel any other valid visa or entry documentation that is in 
     the alien's possession.

       (2) Penalties.--A person that is subject to sanctions 
     described in paragraph (1)(A) shall be subject to the 
     penalties set forth in subsections (b) and (c) of section 206 
     of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 
     1705) to the same extent as a person that commits an unlawful 
     act described in subsection (a) of that section.
       (3) Exception to comply with united nations headquarters 
     agreement.--Sanctions under paragraph (1)(B) shall not apply 
     to an alien if admitting the alien into the United States is 
     necessary to permit the United States to comply with the 
     Agreement regarding the Headquarters of the United Nations, 
     signed at Lake Success June 26, 1947, and entered into force 
     November 21, 1947, between the United Nations and the United 
     States, or other applicable international obligations.
       (c) Waiver.--The President may waive the application of 
     sanctions under subsection (b) with respect to a person if 
     the President--
       (1) determines that such a waiver is in the national 
     interests of the United States and on or before the date on 
     which the waiver takes effect, submits to the appropriate 
     congressional committees a notice of and justification for 
     the waiver; or
       (2) determines that the conditions in Venezuela have 
     improved with regard to respect for peaceful protest and 
     basic human rights and on or before the date on which the 
     waiver takes effect, submits to the appropriate congressional 
     committees a notice of and justification for the waiver.
       (d) Implementation Authority.--
       (1) In general.--The President may exercise all authorities 
     provided to the President under sections 203 and 205 of the 
     International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1702 
     and 1704) for purposes of carrying out this section.
       (2) Exception.--
       (A) In general.--The authority to impose sanctions under 
     paragraph (1) shall not include the authority to impose 
     sanctions relating to the importation of goods.
       (B) Good defined.--In subparagraph (A), the term ``good'' 
     has the meaning given that term in section 16 of the Export 
     Administration Act of 1979 (50 U.S.C. App. 2415) (as 
     continued in effect pursuant to the International Emergency 
     Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et. seq.)).
       (e) Regulatory Authority.--The President shall issue such 
     regulations, licenses, and orders as are necessary to carry 
     out this section.
       (f) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Admitted; alien.--The terms ``admitted'' and ``alien'' 
     have meanings given those terms in section 101 of the 
     Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101).
       (2) Materially assisted.--The term ``materially assisted'' 
     means the provision of assistance that is significant and of 
     a kind directly relevant to acts described in paragraph (1) 
     or (2) of subsection (a).
       (3) United states person.--The term ``United States 
     person'' means--
       (A) a United States citizen or an alien lawfully admitted 
     for permanent residence to the United States; or
       (B) an entity organized under the laws of the United States 
     or of any jurisdiction within the United States, including a 
     foreign branch of such an entity.

     SEC. 6. IMPOSITION OF SANCTIONS WITH RESPECT TO THE TRANSFER 
                   OF GOODS OR TECHNOLOGIES TO VENEZUELA THAT ARE 
                   LIKELY TO BE USED TO COMMIT HUMAN RIGHTS 
                   ABUSES.

       (a) In General.--The President shall impose sanctions 
     described in section 5(b) with respect to each person on the 
     list required under subsection (b) of this section.
       (b) List.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the President shall transmit to 
     the appropriate congressional committees a list of persons 
     who the President determines have knowingly engaged in an 
     activity described in paragraph (2) on or after such date of 
     enactment.
       (2) Activity described.--
       (A) In general.--A person knowingly engages in an activity 
     described in this paragraph if the person--
       (i) transfers, or facilitates the transfer of, goods or 
     technologies described in subparagraph (C) to Venezuela, any 
     person organized under the laws of Venezuela, or any national 
     of Venezuela, for use in or with respect to Venezuela; or
       (ii) provides services (including services relating to 
     hardware, software, and specialized information, and 
     professional consulting, engineering, and support services) 
     with respect to goods or technologies described in 
     subparagraph (C) after such goods or technologies are 
     transferred to Venezuela.
       (B) Applicability to contracts and other agreements.--A 
     person engages in an activity described in subparagraph (A) 
     without regard to whether the activity is carried out 
     pursuant to a contract or other agreement entered into 
     before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (C) Goods or technologies described.--
       (i) In general.--Goods or technologies described in this 
     subparagraph are goods or technologies that the President 
     determines are to be used by the Government of Venezuela or 
     any of the agencies or instrumentalities of the Government of 
     Venezuela (or by any other person on behalf of the Government 
     of Venezuela or any of such agencies or instrumentalities) to 
     commit serious human rights abuses against the people of 
     Venezuela, including--

       (I) firearms or ammunition (as such terms are defined in 
     section 921 of title 18, United States Code), rubber bullets, 
     police batons, pepper or chemical sprays, stun grenades, 
     electroshock weapons, tear gas, water cannons, or 
     surveillance technology; or
       (II) sensitive technology.

       (ii) Sensitive technology defined.--

       (I) In general.--For purposes of clause (i)(II), the term 
     ``sensitive technology'' means hardware, software, 
     telecommunications equipment, or any other technology, that 
     the President determines is to be used specifically--

       (aa) to restrict the free flow of unbiased information in 
     Venezuela; or
       (bb) to disrupt, monitor, or otherwise restrict speech of 
     the people of Venezuela.

       (II) Exception.--The term ``sensitive technology'' does not 
     include information or informational materials the 
     exportation of which the President does not have the 
     authority to regulate or prohibit pursuant to section 
     203(b)(3) of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act 
     (50 U.S.C. 1702(b)(3)).

       (3) Special rule to allow for termination of sanctionable 
     activity.--The President shall not be required to include a 
     person on the list required under paragraph (1) if--
       (A) the President determines that the person is no longer 
     engaging in, or has taken significant credible steps toward 
     stopping (including winding down contracts or other 
     agreements that were in effect prior to the date of the 
     enactment of this Act) the activity described in paragraph 
     (2) for which the President would otherwise have included the 
     person on the list; and
       (B) the President has received reliable assurances that 
     such person will not knowingly engage in any new activity 
     described in such paragraph (2).
       (4) Updates of list.--The President shall transmit to the 
     appropriate congressional committees an updated list under 
     paragraph (1)--
       (A) not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment 
     of this Act; and
       (B) as new information becomes available.
       (5) Form of list; public availability.--
       (A) Form.--The list required under paragraph (1) shall be 
     submitted in unclassified form but may contain a classified 
     annex.
       (B) Public availability.--The unclassified portion of the 
     list required under paragraph (1) shall be made available to 
     the public and posted on the Web site of the Department of 
     State.
       (c) Waiver.--The President may waive the application of 
     sanctions described in section 5(b) with respect to a person 
     on the list required under subsection (b) of this section if 
     the President--
       (1) determines that such a waiver is in the national 
     interests of the United States and on or before the date on 
     which the waiver takes effect, submits to the appropriate 
     congressional committees a notice of and justification for 
     the waiver; or
       (2) determines that the conditions in Venezuela have 
     improved with regard to respect

[[Page 9080]]

     for peaceful protest and basic human rights and on or before 
     the date on which the waiver takes effect, submits to the 
     appropriate congressional committees a notice of and 
     justification for the waiver.
       (d) Implementation Authority.--
       (1) In general.--The President may exercise all authorities 
     provided under sections 203 and 205 of the International 
     Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1702 and 1704) to 
     carry out this section.
       (2) Exception.--
       (A) In general.--The authority to impose sanctions under 
     paragraph (1) shall not include the authority to impose 
     sanctions relating to the importation of goods.
       (B) Good defined.--In subparagraph (A), the term ``good'' 
     has the meaning given that term in section 16 of the Export 
     Administration Act of 1979 (50 U.S.C. App. 2415) (as 
     continued in effect pursuant to the International Emergency 
     Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et. seq.)).

     SEC. 7. COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGY TO PROMOTE INTERNET FREEDOM 
                   AND ACCESS TO INFORMATION.

       Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, the Secretary of State, in consultation with heads 
     of other Federal departments and agencies, as appropriate, 
     shall submit to the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House 
     of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of 
     the Senate a comprehensive strategy that is classified to the 
     extent necessary to--
       (1) assist the people of Venezuela to produce, access, and 
     share information freely and safely via the Internet;
       (2) increase the capabilities and availability of secure 
     mobile and other communications through connective technology 
     among human rights and democracy advocates in Venezuela;
       (3) provide resources for digital training for media and 
     academic and civil society organizations in Venezuela;
       (4) increase emergency resources for the most vulnerable 
     human rights advocates seeking to organize, share 
     information, and support human rights in Venezuela;
       (5) expand access to uncensored sources of local news and 
     information using all available and effective mediums of 
     communication, especially through platforms that leverage 
     public-private partnerships;
       (6) expand activities to safely assist and train human 
     rights, civil society, and democracy activists in Venezuela 
     to operate effectively and securely;
       (7) expand access to proxy servers for democracy activists 
     in Venezuela; and
       (8) discourage telecommunications and software companies 
     from facilitating Internet censorship by the Government of 
     Venezuela.

     SEC. 8. COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGY TO ENCOURAGE VENEZUELA TO 
                   ABIDE BY THE PRINCIPLES ENSHRINED IN THE INTER-
                   AMERICAN DEMOCRATIC CHARTER.

       Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to the 
     Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives 
     and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate a 
     comprehensive strategy outlining how the United States is 
     supporting the citizens of Venezuela in seeking--
       (1) free, fair, and transparent elections--
       (A) conducted with the presence of internationally 
     recognized observers; and
       (B) in which--
       (i) all parties are permitted ample time to organize and 
     campaign for such elections; and
       (ii) all candidates are permitted equitable access to the 
     media;
       (2) basic civil liberties and human rights, including 
     access to and support for nongovernmental organizations in 
     such activities;
       (3) establishment of independent judiciaries and electoral 
     councils; and
       (4) development of an independent civil society with the 
     capacity to advocate on behalf of constituents.

     SEC. 9. STATEMENT OF POLICY ON POLITICAL PRISONERS.

       It shall be the policy of the United States--
       (1) to support efforts to research and identify prisoners 
     of conscience and cases of human rights abuses in Venezuela;
       (2) to offer refugee status or political asylum in the 
     United States to political dissidents in Venezuela if 
     requested and consistent with the laws and national security 
     interests of the United States;
       (3) to offer to assist, through the United Nations High 
     Commissioner for Refugees, with the relocation of such 
     political prisoners to other countries if requested, as 
     appropriate and with appropriate consideration for the 
     national security interests of the United States; and
       (4) to publicly call for the release of Venezuelan country 
     dissidents by name and raise awareness with respect to 
     individual cases of Venezuelan country dissidents and 
     prisoners of conscience, as appropriate and if requested by 
     the dissidents or prisoners themselves or their families.

     SEC. 10. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR ASSISTANCE TO 
                   SUPPORT CIVIL SOCIETY IN VENEZUELA.

       There is authorized to be appropriated to the United States 
     Agency for International Development for fiscal year 2015 not 
     less than $5,000,000 to provide assistance to civil society 
     in Venezuela.

     SEC. 11. OFFSET.

       Section 102(a) of the Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan 
     Act of 2009 (22 U.S.C. 8412(a); Public Law 111-73; 123 Stat. 
     2068) is amended by striking ``$1,500,000,000'' and inserting 
     ``$1,493,000,000''.

     SEC. 12. SUNSET.

       This Act shall cease to be effective beginning on the date 
     that is 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Castro) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Florida.


                             General Leave

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks 
and to include extraneous material on this bill.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Florida?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  First, after my remarks, I will place into the Record letters between 
the chairmen of the committees of referral on this bill.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4587, the Venezuelan 
Human Rights and Democracy Protection Act. This bill has received 
bipartisan support from many of my colleagues in the House and was 
passed more than 2 weeks ago by our Foreign Affairs Committee.
  I would like to thank Chairman Royce, Ranking Member Engel, 
subcommittee Chairman Salmon, and Ranking Member Sires for working with 
my office to craft the legislation that is before us this afternoon.
  Mr. Speaker, we are here today to condemn the ongoing human rights 
abuses being committed in Venezuela and to answer the cries of the 
people of Venezuela.
  On February 12, 2014, also known in Venezuela as National Youth Day, 
students began protesting in several cities against Venezuelan leader 
Nicolas Maduro's inability to stem violent crime, his undemocratic 
actions, and a rapidly deteriorating economy marked by high inflation 
and shortages of consumer goods. Since then, these students and the 
Venezuelan people, as a whole, have been met with intimidation, with 
violence, with imprisonment simply for calling for the respect of human 
rights and democratic change.
  One example is the case of Leopoldo Lopez, a pro-democracy leader who 
continues to be in prison at a military facility on trumped-up charges 
by Maduro in an effort by Maduro to silence his many critics.
  The case of Maria Corina Machado is another example. This courageous 
woman, a member of the Venezuelan National Assembly until just 
recently, has stood up for the people of Venezuela. And for drawing 
attention to the abuses being committed by the autocrat, she was 
stripped of her legislative seat.
  Since the protest began, Mr. Speaker, there have been 42 people 
killed, nearly 60 reported cases of torture, more than 2,000 people 
unjustly detained, and hundreds more injured. And throughout this 
crisis, the so-called dialogue discussions with Maduro and UNASUR has 
provided no results, no actions, no concessions, and the innocent are 
still being imprisoned. And just 2 weeks ago, Mr. Speaker, 250 teenage 
protesters, ones who had camped out in public squares to protest, were 
rounded up and thrown in jail. Teenagers.
  But the problems in Venezuela go beyond these protests. Venezuela has 
now become one of the most dangerous countries in Latin America. 
According to press reports, between January 2014 and April 2014, there 
were over 4,500 homicides in Venezuela. That is a staggering statistic, 
Mr. Speaker.
  This call for freedom and democracy in Venezuela did not just start 
in February, and it is a shame that it has taken the events of these 
past few months for us to get active about the

[[Page 9081]]

plight of the Venezuelan people. The struggle for freedom in Venezuela 
has been ongoing for over a decade due to the oppressive policies put 
forth by the late Hugo Chavez, which have now continued under his 
handpicked successor.
  The legislation before us, Mr. Speaker, is very direct and very 
clear. It seeks to target Venezuelan officials by denying them visas to 
enter the United States, blocking property, freezing assets, and 
prohibiting financial transactions to members of the Venezuelan regime 
who are responsible for the commission of serious human rights abuses 
against the people of Venezuela. It is very clear, very direct.
  The United States Congress must stand ready to act on the calls of 
freedom and democracy around the globe, and the Venezuelan people have 
sent us a distress signal for help. Today, we answer that call by 
condemning the actions taken by the Maduro regime and showing our 
support to the people of Venezuela who are seeking liberty, freedom, 
human rights, and justice.
  With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

                                         House of Representatives,


                                  Committee on Ways and Means,

                                     Washington, DC, May 23, 2014.
     Hon. Edward R. Royce,
     Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Royce: I am writing concerning H.R. 4587, the 
     ``Venezuelan Human Rights and Democracy Protection Act,'' 
     which was favorably reported out of your Committee on May 9, 
     2014.
       Given that certain provisions in the bill are within the 
     jurisdiction of the Committee on Ways and Means, I appreciate 
     that you have addressed these provisions in response to the 
     Committee's concerns. As a result, in order to expedite Floor 
     consideration of the bill, the Committee on Ways and Means 
     will forgo action on H.R. 4587. Further, the Committee will 
     not oppose the bill's Floor consideration, based on our 
     understanding that you will work with us as the legislative 
     process moves forward to ensure that our concerns continue to 
     be addressed. This is also being done with the understanding 
     that it does not in any way prejudice the Committee with 
     respect to the appointment of conferees or its jurisdictional 
     prerogatives on this or similar legislation.
       I would appreciate your response to this letter, confirming 
     this understanding with respect to H.R. 4587, and would ask 
     that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be 
     included in the Congressional Record during Floor 
     consideration.
           Sincerely,
                                                        Dave Camp,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                                 Committee on Foreign Affairs,

                                     Washington, DC, May 27, 2014.
     Hon. Dave Camp,
     Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Camp: Thank you for consulting with the 
     Committee on Foreign Affairs on H.R. 4587, the Venezuelan 
     Human Rights and Democracy Promotion Act, and for agreeing to 
     forgo a sequential referral request so that the bill may 
     proceed expeditiously to the Floor. The suspension text 
     contains edits that implicate the Rule X jurisdictional 
     interests of the Committee on Ways and Means that were 
     drafted in consultation with your committee.
       I agree that your forgoing further action on this measure 
     does not in any way diminish or alter the jurisdiction of the 
     Committee on the Ways and Means, or prejudice its 
     jurisdictional prerogatives on this resolution or similar 
     legislation in the future.
       I will seek to place our letters on H.R. 4587 into the 
     Congressional Record during floor consideration of the 
     resolution. I appreciate your cooperation regarding this 
     legislation and look forward to continuing to work with the 
     Committee on Ways and Means as this measure moves through the 
     legislative process.
           Sincerely,
                                                  Edward R. Royce,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                                   Committee on the Judiciary,

                                     Washington, DC, May 28, 2014.
     Hon. Ed Royce,
     Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Royce: I am writing with respect to H.R. 
     4587, the ``Venezuelan Human Rights and Democracy Protection 
     Act,'' which the Committee on Foreign Affairs ordered 
     reported favorably on May 9, 2014. As a result of your having 
     consulted with us on provisions in H.R. 4587 that fall within 
     the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on the Judiciary, I 
     agree to discharge our Committee from further consideration 
     of this bill so that it may proceed expeditiously to the 
     House floor for consideration.
       The Judiciary Committee takes this action with our mutual 
     understanding that by foregoing consideration of H.R. 4587 at 
     this time, we do not waive any jurisdiction over subject 
     matter contained in this or similar legislation, and that our 
     Committee will be appropriately consulted and involved as 
     this bill or similar legislation moves forward so that we may 
     address any remaining issues in our jurisdiction. Our 
     Committee also reserves the right to seek appointment of an 
     appropriate number of conferees to any House-Senate 
     conference involving this or similar legislation, and asks 
     that you support any such request.
       I would appreciate a response to this letter confirming 
     this understanding with respect to H.R. 4587, and would ask 
     that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be 
     included in the Congressional Record during Floor 
     consideration of H.R. 4587.
           Sincerely,
                                                    Bob Goodlatte,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                                 Committee on Foreign Affairs,

                                     Washington, DC, May 28, 2014.
     Hon. Bob Goodlatte,
     Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Goodlatte: Thank you for consulting with the 
     Committee on Foreign Affairs on H.R. 4587, the Venezuelan 
     Human Rights and Democracy Promotion Act, and for agreeing to 
     be discharged from further consideration of that bill. The 
     suspension text contains edits to portions of the bill within 
     the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on the Judiciary 
     that were drafted in consultation with your committee.
       I agree that your forgoing further action on this measure 
     does not in any way diminish or alter the jurisdiction of the 
     Committee on the Judiciary, or prejudice its jurisdictional 
     prerogatives on this resolution or similar legislation in the 
     future. I would support your effort to seek appointment of an 
     appropriate number of conferees to any House-Senate 
     conference involving this legislation.
       I will seek to place our letters on H.R. 4587 into the 
     Congressional Record during floor consideration of the 
     resolution. I appreciate your cooperation regarding this 
     legislation and look forward to continuing to work with the 
     Committee on the Judiciary as this measure moves through the 
     legislative process.
           Sincerely,
                                                  Edward R. Royce,
                                                         Chairman.

  Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume and rise in strong support of H.R. 4587, the Venezuelan Human 
Rights and Democracy Protection Act.
  I would first like to thank Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen for authoring 
this legislation and for her dedication to these important issues.
  The eyes of this Congress and the international community are on 
Venezuela and President Nicolas Maduro and his security forces as they 
crack down on peaceful protesters. It is an absolute tragedy that 42 
people have been killed in protests throughout the country. I am also 
troubled that opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez remains in jail on 
charges while many others have been unjustly detained by the Maduro 
government.
  I am grateful for President Obama and Secretary Kerry's strong 
statements condemning the government's reprehensible actions. Let me 
say that all of us in Congress want nothing more than a peaceful 
resolution to this conflict. It was disappointing when negotiations 
between the Maduro government and the opposition broke down, and I hope 
that these talks can be revived.
  In March, the House of Representatives passed a resolution which 
encouraged ``a process of dialogue between the Government of Venezuela 
and the political opposition to end the violence.'' I continue to 
believe that dialogue is the best way out of this crisis. In the 
meantime, the legislation that we are considering today makes it clear 
that the United States will not turn a blind eye to human rights 
violations.
  This bill has been crafted to impose targeted sanctions on human 
rights violators in Venezuela, while not harming average Venezuelans 
who are already suffering as a result of terrible economic 
mismanagement by the country's leaders.
  While the Venezuelan Government might try to say otherwise, let us be 
clear: there is not a single provision in this bill that would 
negatively affect the average Venezuelan. This bill does not touch the 
Venezuelan oil sector or other parts of the country's economy. Instead, 
the Venezuelan Human Rights

[[Page 9082]]

and Democracy Protection Act revokes visas and freezes assets of human 
rights violators. Finally, it is important to note that this bill gives 
President Obama a great deal of flexibility to respond to events on the 
ground in Venezuela. Each and every sanction in this bill can be waived 
by the President at any time.
  I would also point out, Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned when this came up 
in committee and as the gentlewoman will remember, that it is important 
that the United States sends a strong signal in Latin America. Although 
we understand that each of the Latin American countries is distinct and 
different and all have different histories, we witnessed in the 1960s 
through the 1980s many thousands of students who disappeared, who were 
removed from their homes by their governments because of the protests 
that were going on in those countries at the time. We want to make sure 
that that never happens again, and this bill is important in ensuring 
that the Venezuelan Government understands that the United States is 
watching and that we will make sure that something like that doesn't 
happen again.
  With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), the chairman of the Foreign 
Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and 
International Organizations.
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. I thank my good friend for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Venezuelan Human Rights 
and Democracy Protection Act and to thank my distinguished colleague, 
Chairwoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, for her bold leadership in calling 
attention to the deplorable human rights situation in Venezuela and for 
creating this meaningful diplomatic tool to assist the Venezuelan 
people in resisting tyranny; first, the tyranny imposed by Hugo Chavez, 
and now that of his understudy in oppression, Nicolas Maduro.
  At its core, this important initiative authorizes targeted sanctions 
to those who are responsible for violence and abuse, namely, members of 
the Maduro regime. The regime's silencing of democracy advocates, such 
as Leopoldo Lopez, is a violation of fundamental human rights and is an 
example of what makes this piece of legislation so fitting and so 
necessary.
  I also support the bill's redirection of funds towards supporting 
civil society groups in Venezuela involved in promoting respect for 
democracy and fundamental freedoms, most importantly, the respect for 
the right to life, expression, and the right of religious liberty.
  Indeed, I want to underscore the church's role as a voice independent 
of the State of Venezuela and how it has been unafraid to speak up on 
behalf of the oppressed and those protesting injustice. The Maduro 
regime has sought to silence the church, which remains a force 
independent of the government and a witness to the truth. The House of 
Representatives honors and deeply respects the key role that the church 
and faith-based civil society groups are playing in the fight for 
democracy and human rights in Venezuela.
  As we all hope to see a free and democratic Venezuela, I strongly 
urge my colleagues to support the Ros-Lehtinen legislation, H.R. 4587.
  Mr. CASTRO of Texas. I reserve the balance of my time, Mr. Speaker.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman 
from Indiana (Mr. Messer), a member of the Committee on Financial 
Services.
  Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this important 
bipartisan bill, to promote human rights in Venezuela. I want to 
commend my colleague, Chairwoman Ros-Lehtinen, for bringing this 
important measure forward. It makes clear that, as a Nation, we do not 
condone the recent human rights abuses against Venezuelans as they 
fight for democratic change.
  Venezuelans speaking out for basic rights and freedoms, such as the 
ability to speak freely and live free from intimidation and violence, 
have been harassed, intimidated, threatened, and killed as a result of 
their desire to determine their own destiny. Just this month, 41 people 
have been killed, over 100 injured, and 60 tortured in Venezuela in 
response to pro-democracy demonstrations. These are alarming 
statistics, and action must be taken to prevent this violence and hold 
the perpetrators accountable. This legislation does that by placing 
sanctions on those in President Maduro's government who are responsible 
for this violence against those exercising their legitimate rights.
  I urge all of my colleagues to support this important bipartisan 
measure.
  Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman 
from New York (Mr. Meeks), my colleague on the Foreign Affairs 
Committee.

                              {time}  1615

  Mr. MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today to oppose H.R. 
4587, the Venezuelan Human Rights and Democracy Protection Act. And 
while I am deeply troubled by the violence that erupted in Venezuela at 
the onset of protests months ago, and I join all of the people of 
Venezuela in mourning the loss of many lives, I also join all the 
people of Venezuela in the desire to see peaceful protests and a 
peaceful outcome, and that violence by anyone and everyone cease. I 
remain committed to doing everything in my power to support a positive 
outcome in that nation. But I believe vehemently that unilateral action 
by the United States is not the answer, and that is why this bill is 
not the right step to take.
  I know that there are high emotions on all sides of this issue, and I 
understand why, but the House should not act emotionally, it should act 
judiciously. This bill does not advance U.S. interests, it will not 
help the people of Venezuela, and it sends the message to our regional 
allies that we don't care much about what they think. And these are 
allies, these are friends. Moreover, the Obama administration has the 
authority to do what this bill calls for right now, and the 
administration has shown its willingness to use its authority.
  So what, then, is our objective? Is it intended to push Venezuela to 
the brink? What would that do for the Venezuelan people and the region? 
Now, I have spoken to all of our major allies in the region, and I have 
yet to hear any support by them for sanctions, but there is strong 
support for multilateral engagement. Our allies do not want to see the 
situation in Venezuela worsen.
  The unilateral sanctions bill we are considering today is misguided 
in that it is an unfortunate reminder of the history of U.S. arrogance 
in the Western Hemisphere. We have a legacy in the Americas that is 
riddled with long-lasting consequences. That legacy has left us with a 
trust deficit. Today, we are considering a bill that does nothing to 
build that trust. Our standing in our own hemisphere will never improve 
unless or until we build that trust.
  While we pursue these sanctions, our allies are actively supporting 
dialogue. Members of this very body have made it a point to denounce 
and even condemn some regional organizations. Yet, one of those 
organizations, along with the Vatican, has managed to be the 
facilitator of engagement between some of the opposition and some in 
the Government of Venezuela. UNASUR, in its mediation efforts, 
continues to urge dialogue between all parties, and it is my sincere 
hope that dialogue can be successful.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
  Mr. CASTRO of Texas. I yield the gentleman an additional 1 minute.
  Mr. MEEKS. It is my sincere hope that dialogue can be successful, but 
in moments like this, I hope that we understand that unilateral 
sanctions would be another policy mistake--a costly mistake that we can 
and should avoid.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, we are gathered here because we believe we must speak 
for those who cannot speak freely, because our Venezuelan brothers and 
sisters are engaged in a critical battle for freedom and democracy 
against a brutal enemy. And we are gathered here because, even

[[Page 9083]]

as we enjoy the freedoms to assemble and express our beliefs, we want 
our brothers and sisters in Venezuela to enjoy this and other basic 
liberties.
  Millions of people throughout the country have expressed themselves 
in the past 3 weeks in support of democratic change. But the Maduro 
regime has responded with tear gas, with rubber bullets, and even live 
ammunition, killing at least 42, injuring hundreds, and unjustly 
detaining countless others.
  We must act because democracy and human rights aren't issues for 
Venezuelans only. They matter to all of us who seek to advance human 
dignity, rule of law, justice, and freedom. Tyrants like Maduro fear a 
small group of committed citizens because they know that they are the 
only force that has changed history. And we don't have to go far in 
history to see that even one person can make a difference.
  With that, Mr. Speaker, I am going to reserve the balance of my time 
to close if Mr. Castro is prepared to yield back.
  Mr. CASTRO of Texas. I am, and I just wanted to say, again, thank you 
to the Congresswoman, to the chairman of the committee, Chairman Royce, 
and Ranking Member Engel.
  Of course, I am here as many others are to support the bill. There 
was a counterargument that Mr. Meeks so eloquently stated. I am glad he 
had a chance to voice it, but I do hope that the Congress today will 
get behind this bill.
  With no other speakers, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume, and I will introduce our closing speaker. I never thought that 
I would utter these words, but it was a pleasure to work with Mr. 
Castro.
  In closing for our side, Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of my time 
to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Diaz-Balart), my legislative 
brother, a member of the Committee on Appropriations and a champion of 
freedom, democracy, and human rights in the Western Hemisphere and 
around the world.
  Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I also rise in support of this 
important resolution, the Venezuelan Human Rights and Democracy 
Protection Act.
  I first, Mr. Speaker, want to start by thanking my dear friend, a 
tireless champion for human rights and democracy around the world. She 
has thanked, and rightfully so, a number of people who have helped with 
this important legislation. But we would not be dealing with this issue 
on the floor if it weren't for the tireless effort, the constant and 
tireless struggle, fight, solidarity, and efforts of my dear friend, my 
sister, Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. Those people around the 
world who are struggling in gulags and struggling for their freedom 
know that they have in Ileana Ros-Lehtinen a true champion, and, once 
again, we see that leadership here today.
  Mr. Speaker, since mid-February, the people of Venezuela--led mostly 
by students, by the way--have risen up to protest the corruption, the 
food shortages, the crime rates, and the alarming repression that have 
worsened during Maduro's few months in office, in control.
  In response to these legitimate peaceful grievances, Mr. Speaker, 
what the Venezuelan regime has done is they have ordered security 
forces to brutally crack down--brutally with great force and 
brutality--crack down on the opposition. They have used unlawful force. 
They have used severe beatings and beatings of unarmed protesters, 
mostly students, and, by the way, even shooting some of them 
pointblank. They even jailed some of the main opposition leaders on 
phony charges, Mr. Speaker.
  Since the protests began, as you have already heard, more than 40 
people have been killed, about 3,000 people have been arrested, many 
have disappeared, and hundreds more have been injured, Mr. Speaker. In 
addition, Maduro's regime has instituted a virtual media blackout, 
blocking images even over the Internet and, by the way, even expelling 
journalists, including CNN and NTN. Just this past weekend alone, the 
Venezuelan regime blocked a CNN news crew from covering local 
elections. Obviously, they don't want anybody there who can show when 
and how they are stealing those sham elections.
  It is shameful, Mr. Speaker, that the Chavez-Maduro regime policies 
have managed to really get one of the richest economies in Latin 
America, the largest oil exporter in Latin America, and they have made 
it apparently a poverty-ridden nation. People now face shortages of 
some of the most basic commodities, Mr. Speaker. And, by the way, 
inflation is about 50 percent over the last year. So no wonder the 
people are struggling.
  Maduro has intensified his intimidation tactics, though, by 
increasing political arrests and by militarizing his response, using 
thugs to respond to the peaceful opposition members and students who 
are in the streets demanding freedom. He has been labeling those 
unarmed opposition leaders as terrorists and also enemies of the state. 
We have heard that before, Mr. Speaker.
  This bill, frankly, just directs our administration to rightly deny 
visas, to freeze assets, and prohibit financial transactions to the 
members of the Venezuelan regime responsible, Mr. Speaker, those 
responsible for committing these human rights abuses. These corrupt 
cowards who now have blood on their hands shouldn't be allowed to 
travel to our country while they continue to brutalize their fellow 
students, the students who are in the streets demanding freedom and the 
regaining of their sovereignty.
  It is time to hold these human rights abusers accountable. Those 
complicit with those egregious acts of human rights violations, Mr. 
Speaker, they have to be named. They must be named and shamed. And they 
need to suffer the consequences of their actions.
  So, Mr. Speaker, I have the great fortune and privilege of 
representing a patriotic and vibrant Venezuelan American community in 
southern Florida. They continue to bring attention to these deplorable 
conditions of those in Venezuela while the vast majority of the 
international community that some would like us to yield to their 
wishes, but yet they are not saying anything. The Venezuelan people are 
standing up--in many cases dying in the streets--and the vast majority 
of the international community is silent. So some would have us just 
also be silent.
  With the passage of this bill, the United States House of 
Representatives will send a strong signal that we stand in solidarity 
with the Venezuelan people. As they struggle to regain democracy and to 
regain their freedom from the Maduro regime, this House, the United 
States of America, the people's House, stands with them. So I urge the 
support of my colleagues on this commonsense resolution.
  I keep hearing people that I greatly respect: Well, but not all 
Venezuelans support sanctions. No. The regime doesn't support the 
sanctions. But this House, led by this leader right here sitting next 
to me, was instrumental in strengthening sanctions against Iran when a 
lot of the international community was against it and, frankly, when 
the administration--our own administration--was lukewarm at best. But 
this House stood firm. This House stands for freedom and democracy. 
And, today, once again, this House can stand proudly side by side with 
those who are giving their all in the streets of Venezuela to regain 
their freedom, their sovereignty and their dignity.
  With that, Mr. Speaker, I urge support of this important legislation.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this bill. I do 
not doubt the good intentions of its sponsors and supporters, but I 
firmly believe this bill, if enacted into law at this time, would have 
serious and negative consequences.
  As the International Crisis Group described in its May 21st report, 
Venezuela has reached a tipping point in civil, military and 
governmental relations. The violence that began in February has cost at 
least 42 lives--mostly protestors, but also some security forces--
injured hundreds, and produced scores of

[[Page 9084]]

human rights violations and hundreds of arbitrary detentions. Finding a 
solution to this crisis is both urgent and complex.
  The question facing this Congress is what should the United States do 
to support the negotiations currently underway, difficult as that 
process might be; ensure that those responsible for violence and the 
excessive use of force are held to account and brought to justice; help 
open up political space and dialogue among various civil society 
actors; and lower or diminish the levels of violence and confrontation?
  The South American Union, UNASUR, with the support of the Vatican, is 
engaged in a dialogue process between the political opposition and the 
democratically-elected Maduro government. A clear agenda still needs to 
be set for this dialogue, which began with a couple of promising 
meetings, but now appears frozen. What is not needed is for the U.S. to 
appear to be interfering in the process and allowing the Maduro 
government to portray the political crisis of the past few months as a 
conflict between Venezuela and the United States, rather than a crisis 
between the Maduro government, political opponents and certain sectors 
of civil society. The State Department has suggested that some members 
of the opposition have asked them not to pursue sanctions which might 
put them on the defensive. Just the talk of U.S. sanctions has allowed 
President Maduro and his ministers to deflect attention from their lack 
of concessions and their failure to ease the economic crisis and deal 
effectively with safeguarding the security of ordinary citizens from 
criminal violence and attacks.
  Not only do I believe these sanctions would be counter-productive 
inside Venezuela, but I also believe they will further damage U.S. 
relations in the hemisphere. U.S. allies in the region such as Colombia 
and Brazil are leading a serious diplomatic effort to resolve this 
crisis. They have publicly criticized U.S. efforts to impose sanctions. 
Sanctions legislation at this time would, once again, represent to the 
rest of Latin America the return of the U.S. taking unilateral actions 
opposed by the rest of the region. They would be considered not just 
unhelpful, but an insult.
  I am no stranger to taking action and imposing sanctions on 
government officials and individuals engaged in gross violations of 
human rights. But I also believe there is a right time and a right way 
to do so. This legislation is premature. I urge my colleagues to give 
diplomacy a chance to work, to give our Latin American neighbors time 
to promote dialogue, one that de-escalates tensions, identifies and 
holds to account those responsible for killings and human rights 
violations, and helps Venezuela not only to resolve this crisis but to 
advance a more pluralistic society. Don't throw gasoline on the fire. I 
urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' and oppose H.R. 4587.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) that the House suspend the 
rules and pass the bill, H.R. 4587, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________